The return of Adam Bacher was the major surprise when South Africa announced their 15-man squad for the seven-match one-day series against England, which begins at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday (Jan 30).

Bacher, 31 - the nephew of the former board chief Ali - has been out of favour for seven years, but returns after a good domestic season with the Lions. In ten limited-overs matches so far this term he has scored 502 runs at 62.75, with a highest score of 158 not out against the Warriors at Potchefstroom. Charl Langeveldt also returns, after missing the last two Tests with a broken hand suffered during his dramatic Test debut at Cape Town.

There is no place, meanwhile, for Lance Klusener - one of five players who were in South Africa's Chamnpions Trophy squad in England in September who have missed out this time. The others are Martin van Jaarsveld, J-P Duminy, Alan Dawson and Robin Peterson.

Boeta Dippenaar also missed out on the senior side, although he wil captain South Africa A in the warm-up match at Benoni on Thursday. He will toss before the game with a special coin, minted by the local De Beers mining company, which will be presented to the Griqualand West Cricket Union after the match.